Full Notification

Albany County’s COVID-19 dashboard reported that there 146 new positive cases overnight in the County, which raised the County’s COVID-19 cumulative pandemic total to 64,254 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases increased from 88.2 to 96.4 cases.  The number of County residents in the hospital due to COVID-19 symptoms increased by five to now 29 patients, with four patients remaining in the ICU.  The County’s pandemic death toll remained at 541. 
 
State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose as of yesterday was 81.6% of the County’s total population and 89.8% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination was 74.4% of the total population, and for boosters was 67.8% of the eligible population.  The State’s rate for one dose was 89.8% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination was 76.5% for the total population, and for boosters was 57.8% of the eligible population.  
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 144,143 tests Statewide were 7,219 or 4.9% positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 4.6%.  The Capital Region had 5,608 tests of which 419 or 7.6% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 6.7%.  The County had 1,365 tests of which 117 or 9.8% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 7.7%.
 
The State’s COVID-19 data included yesterday’s positive rate for tests (4.93%), hospitalizations (1,186, +22), new COVID-19 hospital admissions (238), ICU patients (144, 0), intubations (66, +6), and deaths (5).
 
In a news release today, Pfizer stated that its booster vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years had produced a 36-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron variant when compared to the initial two dose regimen.  Pfizer added that the booster dose for this age group provided a “high” immune response, and that it would apply “in the coming days” for the FDA’s emergency use authorization for a booster dose in this age group. 
 
The Federal government yesterday extended the more than two-year public health emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic for at least another 90 days until mid-July.  The extension will allow for continued health benefits including free at-home COVID-19 tests, telehealth services for Medicare recipients, and increased Medicare reimbursement for hospitals treating COVID patients.  The State of Emergency imposed by the State is scheduled to end tomorrow but could be extended in light of the Federal extension because it is tied to similar State pandemic related benefits.   

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day and Confidential Document Shredding Event is this Saturday from 8am to 2pm at the Highway Department’s garage. This is a “no contact” and free event for Town residents, with only proof of residence required, like a driver’s license, recent tax bill, or Town parks/transfer sticker.  It will take place regardless of rain or snow.  Please also note that the busiest time is at 8am, where traffic can often back up and sit for the opening of the event.  DEC’s licensed contractor, who alone can handle the hazardous material, does not arrive until around 8am.  Save some time and avoid frustration by arriving after 9am.   
 
Please also double-check what is and what isn’t accepted for disposal and help reduce the Town’s cost by not disposing of latex paint.  You can dispose of dried latex paint (leave the paint can’s cover off for a few days) in your home trash.  Please also note that this event will be the only confidential document shredding event held this year.  Like many things, the cost of disposal has unfortunately ballooned.   
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
                           
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor